Glenn Tucker Candidate for Marco Island City Council 2004 .je
Photo by KELLY FARRELL, Staff
Police Chief Thom Carr escorts resident Robert Glaub out of the building as requested by Chairman Rob Popoff during Monday's council meeting.
MARCO ISLAND — Naming rights turned to name-calling fights at Monday evening’s city council meeting in Marco.
Council considered whether to rename several city facilities after residents who made significant contributions to the city. The first person to be considered for giving the honor to was former councilman E. Glenn Tucker, the longest serving councilman who passed away suddenly in June 2009.
Like many politicians, Tucker had his fans and detractors. While there were more of Tucker’s fans speaking in favor of giving him the honor, it was the detractor who grabbed the attention of the audience — and eventually the police chief.
City Hall, the fire station, police station and Veterans’ Memorial Park, which is located on Barfield Drive, were possible locations for naming rights.
“I think naming this room (the community room) after Glenn Tucker is appropriate since he spent so much time up here,” Councilman Chuck Kiester said.
Councilman Jerry Gibson motioned to name City Hall after Tucker.
Island attorney Craig Woodward said Tucker was a good friend and epitomized a good citizen with acts of kindness such as helping a woman stay in her condo that she couldn’t afford.
Attorney Pat Neale of Marco added: “Glenn was a supposed competitor but a greater friend.”
Before Tucker was a City Council member, he served the county with attendance on several boards and served the country in the U.S. Navy, Neale pointed out.
Tucker initially opposed becoming a city, but once the decision was made, he then did all he could to make it the best possible place, said Neale, who supported naming City Hall in Tucker’s honor.
A.K. Battaglia said buildings and bridges shouldn’t be named after people, but the community room, or council chambers, was OK.
“I think Marco City Hall is more appropriate than any individual (name).” She clarified that it wasn’t about Tucker, but the overall idea.
Donald “Dusty” Rhodes, Tucker’s former partner in an Island law firm, said Tucker deserved to have City Hall renamed in his honor. “All the things he fought for was for his love of this city.”
Resident Robert Glaub, the most vocal opponent, was one of the last public speakers on the proposal.
“I’m not going to praise Glenn Tucker ... He was an arrogant bully. He showed his disdain for the people and the council...”
Glaub continued to disparage the deceased man and Popoff stopped Glaub intermittently saying he would give Glaub his four minutes to speak, but requested he not continue slandering and defaming Tucker or others.
“Mr. Tucker is not here to defend himself ... Let’s keep this on the high road, sir.”
However Glaub continued with allegations of wrongdoing by Tucker and a Collier County judge, who is still alive and serving.
“I think it’s entirely out of line, sir ... It’s out of order ... This is entirely in terrible form,” Popoff said.
Glaub continued.
Members of the audience, many of whom were attorneys and friends of Tucker, warned of slander as Glaub made allegations against Tucker and the judge.
The further Glaub went, Popoff said, the more likely the council members who might have voted against naming a facility after Tucker would change their mind. The argument appeared to hold no weight with Glaub as his adamant opposition to Tucker escalated.
Popoff asked Police Chief Thom Carr to escort Glaub to his seat.
“I’d be happy to,” Carr responded.
Carr approached Glaub, who did not resist, but instead of sitting down was walked out of the building.
“The man (Glaub) was talking himself into a hole legally,” Rhodes said.
Popoff said he didn’t always agree with Tucker on the issues, but respected him for his work for the city.
Popoff amended Gibson’s motion to name City Hall in Tucker’s honor to also include the creation of a process to name city facilities. Council unanimously (6-0) approved naming City Hall after Tucker.
City Manager Steve Thompson suggested that City Hall be named the E. Glenn Tucker Marco Island City Hall. Council will review the final name before new signs are made.
In other matters council:
- Created a standing utility board of five members, each to be approved by five of seven council members, in a 5-1 vote. Kiester opposed. Councilman Ted Forcht preferred a seven-member board, but voted with the majority to have the power to bring the issue back up for discussion.
- Voted 3-3, with Popoff, Kiester and Forcht voting no, to add more city park trails. The city would spend $220,000 to get matching grants from the county. Popoff then requested it be added to the next agenda when Councilman Bill Trotter, a member of the Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization, is present to explain the project and the grants available.
- Tom Kirstein was unanimously appointed to the Firefighters’ Pension Board.
- Finance Director Patricia Bliss is hiring one new staff member. Council, through general consensus, agreed to also hire a second new finance staffer. Once the two people are on-board, contracting with former finance director Bill Harrison may no longer be necessary, which Recker said he would save the city about $7,000 in monthly fees paid for Harrison’s bond consulting expertise.
- Council and Thompson are going to look into whether police, fire and utility workers should continue taking home their work vehicles.
May After Five, Marco Island Chamber
Catch of the Day: May 23, 2013
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 50
Capt_Buzz writes:
http://tinyurl.com/y9oaoe8
Watch for yourself.
cantbelieveu writes:
Wow. So embarrassing. Seriously.
Fossil writes:
cantbelieveu: You are correct, you should be embarrassed. One citizen disagrees and gives his view of an individual that had a very controversial term and what does it get him? In Marco Island it means the police are ordered by the Chairman to escort him out of the Chamber. That is un-American and the act of a petty dictator. This whole incident was a set up. Those who wanted to do something for Tucker filled the room with supporters. If more advance notice would have been given there would have been protestors with signs outside. You should be embarassed. Freedom of speech does not exist in Marco Island.
RayPray writes:
I knew Tucker to be an unpleasant little man.
Since the Council is obviously graveled by this urgent "naming project", why not name the park Pop-off Family Glade after the Council President and his many relatives, whose exploits and accomplishments are so endlessly chronicled in this esteemed newspaper.
Fossil writes:
One more thing, I strongly recommend everyone watch the video. You will see how unfairly Mr. Glaub was treated. Mr. Glaub has had a speech problem for many years. He was not drunk, he always talks like that. He had his notes and he was stopped from reading them. Popoff knows the movers and shakers on the island. He wants so much to be one of them. He has shown how far he will go to do their bidding. Shame on you Councilman. As for Keister, I was shocked when he recommended the naming of the room. All who sat in the audience during Council Chambers witnessed Tucker's disdain for Councilman Keister. He used to roll his eyes everytime Keister and Forcht offerred their views. You are a good Christian Mr. Keister for being so forgiving. I'm sure your wife remembers the disrespect Tucker had for you.
cantbelieveu writes:
He was not treated unfairly. He wasn't drunk and always talks like that? Really? Then THAT'S also embarrassing. Sounded like a smart man...
jwputnam writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
cantbelieveu writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
naples_rocket writes:
WHAT?! Step outside and chill out! Maybe he talks like that because he is old(ish)? Have you thought about that? Being old is embarrassing??? Then most of the people on the island should be embarrassed of themselves.
Flowerpower writes:
I'm laughing out loud at Putnams blog. John you are such a hypocrite asking for people to be respectful when it comes to Kiester and then attacking Tucker and Popoff in the same breath. I have a great idea, why don't you call Rob names to his face? I know him well and could arrange a meeting. In fact, I'm going to make sure he reads your blog above. I for one am proud that Mr. Kiester supported the naming. He showed real leadership and compassion. Mr. Kiester was the victim of a lot of Tuckers abuse. If he can put Tuckers crass behavior behind him why can't you all?
jwputnam writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Tinkers_Damn writes:
Plant a tree.
rpopoff writes:
Mr. Putnam, your recent accusation through this blog site are not only incorrect but slanderous. I have never been, nor am I now involved in bankruptcy. I am giving you the opportunity to retract your statement publicly. Should you choose to continue to publish such erroneous, false and slanderous statements via Letters to the Editor, blogs or otherwise I will take full legal action against you.
marco97 writes:
Rob, I don't like what you are saying please sit down.
jaguar writes:
What happened to freedom of speech.Oh I forgot this is Marco Island.
SmokeyJoe writes:
To name any City of Marco Island Property or location for individual politicians is a great mistake. Once it is started, it is hard to stop.While I am sure that all of our Officials and employees give greatly of themselves. While I did not know Mr. Tucker very well, I did twice[ during breaks in the meetings ] ask for a minute to seek his input, HE SAID " I do not have time ". I must say , I was very dissappointed. Decisions on naming buildings should be left to all the taxpayers who pay for them and not to Political associates ! Do we want to continue dividing our City? Let us slow down and not rush into doing this now. PLEEZE !!!!!!!
EdFoster writes:
Smokey Joe is on the money. Naming buildings for people just causes arguments and disagreements. Stick to naming dog parks "Canine Cove" and call City Hall "Marco Island City Hall." Want to call a park "Veterans Park"? Fine. Just don't name it after a person ... any person. Groups, okay; individuals, no.
If you know history, you know that Hitler did a lot of good for the German people. While the rest of the world was in a depression and job losses mounted, the German people worked building the autobahn (also lots of munitions!) and their economy boomed. Along the way Hitler did a couple of bad things ... like invading his neighbors and gassing millions of Catholics, gypsies and Jews. If you conveniently ignore the bad he did and mentioned only the good, you'd be tempted to name City Hall after him. Think on it!
Ed Foster
P.S. Review the tape of the meeting. The motion was out of order because it wasn't on the agenda; the Chair seconded the motion (also out of order); and then opened the floor to three attorneys who sang the praises of E. Glenn Tucker but the best they could come up with is that he was their friend, a really nice guy, and once helped some woman to stay in her condo. Wow! I doubt attended these three ever attended the same council before unless they had clients involved. The only person mentioning Tucker's dark side was cut off at the knees by the Chair, insulted and sent to his seat under police escort. There was NO council discussion of the motion at all! They just paniced and voted like a bunch of sheep. Does this smell like it was pre-arranged? Did some councilors discuss this privately? Was the Sunshine Law violated? Sure is strange!
getreal239 writes:
No naming!
jwputnam writes:
Lisa,
To quote you: " I for one am proud that Mr. Kiester supported the naming. He showed real leadership and compassion. Mr. Kiester was the victim of a lot of Tuckers abuse. If he can put Tuckers crass behavior behind him why can't you all?"
Read your stuff before you push the button!!!!!
Talk about humorous!
liberator100 writes:
Ed Asbestos Planter Foster wants to name the City Hall after Adolf Hitler.
What a mindless, mumbling imbecile this man from North Carolina is!
There is no end to his idiotic remarks...
Montel writes:
Don't know what the infamous jw wrote about Rob but it must have been pretty bad for him to respond on the blogs. Apparently jw is only a big man in his own head otherwise he would do the right thing if he lied or misinformed. After all, he keeps asking for honesty and transparency from everyone else - naw, but then again that just seems to fit his persona. Lies and insults are ok if you're John Putnam. It's more than obvious he has a sick hatred for Rob but to not face him is cowardly. To use the excuse I just don't like him is why I don't talk to him. Now that's humorous! John I suggest you take your own advice and "Read your stuff before you push the button!"
P.S. Even I am offended by the mere mention of Hilters name.
MarcoAvenger writes:
Boy Liberator100 that is a great statement to paint all people from North Carolina as mindless, mumbling imbeciles. You call out someone for making an in appropriate statement, and then you go on an insult everyone with ties to North Carolina. I find your statement to be very prejudice.
EdFoster writes:
Liberator 100 apparently can't read ... a common problem for many Marcoites of the Issler school. I did not suggest that City Hall be named for Adolf Hitler. I simply pointed out that Hitler did much good for the German people, got them out of the great depression, built the Autobahn, etc. He also did much evil including warring against his neighbors and gassing millions of Catholics, gypsies and Jews. If the Council will not permit a citizen like Mr. Glaub to list the bad that E. Glenn Tucker did because "he's not here to defend himself," it might as well ignore all the bad that old Adolf did and name something after him too.
Is that clear enough, idiot, or do you need a roadmap.
Ed Foster
P.S. I'm having my attorney find out who you are since you're too chicken to sign your blogs and we'll look into a defamation suit against you. Hope you have a lot of coin and are worth suing!
Capt_Buzz writes:
Flowerpower I agree with you, Kiester showed that he can leave opinions and politics behind him and voted for the naming. He showed courage and class. I bet he is taking a lot of heat from some of his supporters for his vote. I was never really a fan of Tuckers myself but he did do a lot for the city. Certainly a lot more than all of us bloggers combined. This is what politicians do, they name buildings and parks after people. Chuck Kiester cemented my vote for him. Good luck Mr. Kiester.
Marconian writes:
I dont agree with everything council decides. but, what is the big deal about naming a room or a building after an individual? im not to familiar with Mr.Tucker but in politics sometimes you have to be somewhat pragmatic in order to not get walked on by your advasaries.
Besides its not like the city hall will have a neon flashing sign stating welcome to E.Glenn Tucker Central! It will more than likely be a small plauqe at the entrance saying E.Gleen tucker building with a date of the inductment, I would assume.
pS. As far as The mr.Glaub situation goes R.Popoff more than likely saved him from himself by not allowing his verbal attack on a deceased former councilman and City contributer as well as a currently active Collier county judge!
bigdog1970 writes:
Mr. Foster:
Don't use Tucker,Rhodes or Neale!!!
You'll need a real lawyer.
sharkfloss writes:
To the average Marco taxpayer this whole thing is quite disturbing. Is our City Council concerned as to how this whole process is being perceived by outsiders? Should there not have been a process by which a taxpayer funded building gets named prior to this action? Should the taxpayer be part of the selection process? Who knew that we were going to rename a central building for anyone? This whole thing, right or wrong, should not have been handled in this manner. I would think that the late Councilor Tucker's family would not want the negativism associated with many these posts to be part of his legacy to this city. It would be a shame to think that by failing to provide a forum for such discussions would result in tarnishing of this man's reputation, well deserved or not.
cantbelieveu writes:
bigdog...they can't use tucker...he died...hello?
Fossil writes:
Sharkfloss: I agree that what this council did hurts Glenn Tucker's family more that they know. Put Tucker's name in/on that building and some idiot will spray paint it one day. This always happens whenever a City names something after a controversial figure. I honestly believe the current council is not very thoughtful and needs to apologize to the Tucker family. A GOOD start would be for Popoff to resign. He has never shown any class anyway. He is simply a petty dictator and is a little heavy handed as a leader.
bigdog1970 writes:
That's my point!! HELLO!!!!!
RightWing writes:
Fossil, are you serious, did you see the video. Rob was patient and kind to Mr. Glaub. We have never had a more understanding, calm and respectful chairman. I guess that's why God created colors because you obvously don't see the world the same way I do. I'm sure Rob can't wait for his term to be up but resigning, you really need a reality check Fossil!
Leroy writes:
Fossil's brain has fossilized into a cavedweller. His blogs are absolutely absurd, detached and uninformed. Ignore him.
Semper_Fidelis writes:
Just spilled my coffee with laughter when I read Fossil lastest. It all comes around to the fact that some of you complain about everything. Your cups are always half-empty, you can complain all you want but one councilors vote means more than all your complaining combined. If any of you bloated, opinionated blowhards have that much of an obsession for politics then run for office. City Councilors get to make decisions for us, that's their job and that's what they're elected to do! If you don't like it, don't vote for them or run for office yourself.
Semper_Fidelis writes:
Fossil, one more thought since you brought up apologies. Did it ever occur to you that Robert Glaub should apologize to the Tucker Family for his classless and crude allegations? It was a rhetorical question; I’ve read enough of your blogs to know the answer.
Fossil writes:
Glaub has nothing to apologize for. He simply related a well established record. Just read rhe minutes and newspaper accounts of meetings Tucker sat in. Semper, if you are a real Marine then you must honor the truth.
dc5799 writes:
Mr Tucker was an arrogant little man. It was his way or the highway BUT I really believe if he himself was sitting there he would have let Mr Glaub speak.He was fair about somethings not all but some.
Semper_Fidelis writes:
Fossil, Semper Fi, Always Faithful! The difference between you and me is that I do honor the truth, not the newspapers and not hearsay. Tucker was arrogant, no doubt about it but he was not a little man. The little man was the one who dishonored his memory in such a disgraceful manner. I would not defend a man who accuses the dead of being a liar based on a newspaper account written by Ed Bania. Politics on this island have made apparent liars out of every politician. Maybe some are, maybe some aren't but Tucker didn't mix words, anyone that really knew him knows that he always spoke the truth.
He just didn't defend himself because it didn't matter to him what people thought. He did what he thought was right and lived with the consequences. He was a brave man with many friends who loved him. So stop justifying his detractors because they are cowards who would speak ill of the dead, especially a man who did so much for so many. You can believe he was a liar, a crook or whatever you want, I can't change your mind(s) but you're wrong. People who didn't like his politics called him many things - arrogant, yes -bully, at times - liar, never. Big heart, yes. Let Tucker and this thing rest once and for all.
jwputnam writes:
" People who didn't like his politics called him many things - arrogant, yes -bully, at times - liar, never."
Ummm, EXCUSE ME, but I called Tucker a liar and he finally admitted to it in council when pressed by Ed Foster. There never were any photos of citizens placing asbestos in the parks as Tucker repeatedly claimed. HE LIED.....period.
Semper_Fidelis writes:
John, what I meant was people called him many things and "yes” he was an arrogant bully at times but he was not a liar and he did not lie to you or the people of Marco Island. No matter what I say or do you will continue to have your skewed views of individuals on this island. Unfortunately I feel you are hopeless but there are people on this island that know the truth. Politicians will always have people like you bash them and lie about them. You think it makes you strong and courageous but in reality it makes you heartless. Based on some of you blogs over the years I am guessing you are an atheist but I will pray for you. I have seen too many things in my life to know that there is a God and maybe if I pray enough for you you may one day see the light and how wicked you can be.
liberator100 writes:
marcoavenger: What are you smoking? Read my sentence again.
"What a mindless, mumbling imbecile this man from North Carolina is!"
I am referring to one, single, solitary imbecile from NC named Ed Asbestos Planter Foster. No one else. Stop smoking that stuff man! Your brain is getting fried.
marcosandflea writes:
From the Marco Island Blog, January 9, 2010
What to Name City Hall
If you are from the Rob Popoff School of Protecting, Respecting and Tolerating the Rights of Others Exercising their 1st Amendment Right of Free Speech:
The City of Marco Island Marxist Hall
If you are from the sludge the oozes behind closed-doors and arranges for surprise items to be voted on and then show up by "coincidence" to speak supporting the unscheduled item:
The Syndicate Puppet Factory
If you still believe that the STRP was put in motion because septic tanks were polluting the waterways:
The Patterson "There Be Fecal" Emporium
After the feds prosecute for violating the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act:
They All Worked or Laboured Here before They Got Indicted
So exactly why did several councilors claim that Charlie Crist personally told them that the City will get a sewer system "whether the citizens wanted it or not" at about the same time that the partner of a city councilor was appointed to Crist's Commissioner of the Florida Elections Commission:
The Syndicate-to-Crist Good 'Ol Boy Club Meeting Hall
In memory of he who publicly boasted to deleting emails about city business from citizens he did not like (and unlike his colleague not getting prosecuted) and lying about having photographs of people planting asbestos:
E. Glenn Tucker et. Al.
And to prove that there is consistency and that rules are always applied uniformly, the Syndicate will ensure that their ilk and those in the now defunct Celebrate Marco show up to support the following name, and when African-Americans or Hispanics or Orientals or anyone who is one of "those people" stand up to decry the name, they are escorted out of the building because after all the individual for whom city hall is to be named is "not here to defend himself":
William Joseph Simmons Memorial Building
Named after the ONLY two idiots stupid enough to put themselves at risk by repeatedly measuring toxic levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air, hydrogen sulfide and sulfuric acid in the waters and stupidly believing that the Crist-FDEP-Tucker-Minozzi-Popoff-Trotter cabal would act or vote to at least temporarily stop damaging the health of people and the environment, and for believing that anyone else could give a flying F$%&!@K:
Godfrey Davies and Mario Sanchez Hall for the Naively Dim-witted
If you want to know who paid for it:
Quality Enterprise Park
To commemorate he who contributed the parking to very same City Hall being named while being stupid enough to solicit a "patient" (presumably not a mental one) while said patient was recording him:
Andrew Guidry Halfway House
If you want to give it an apt name:
District 9
If you want to give it an honest name based on who really runs the place:
Syndicate Hall
… but seriously,
If you are an American that values free speech and those that speak the truth:
The Robert Glaub Democracy Citizens Centre
.
Sailor writes:
Marcoflea, no offense but I have read your blog three times and have no idea what your point is.
MarcoAvenger writes:
Boy leberator100 - You are a very angry person. I guess it is just your way to just insult people. That seems to be the way here on Marco. People are unable to discuss issues without throwing out personal insults. But if that makes you happy keep it up. It really makes you look like a big man.
Fossil writes:
Semper, you are wrong. The fellow lied and admitted it when he told us there were pictures of people planting asbestos. Several month after making that statement he announced in a fit of anger, that there were no pictures. In my book he lied to make a point and when pressed for a long time he finally admitted there were no pictures. That's lying and it is in the record.
MarcoAvenger writes:
Leberator100 - I guess you can see my confussion since I do not belive that Ed is originally from North Carolina, what difference does it make that he lives there now? I see it as a backhanded inslult.
marcosandflea writes:
Sailor, no offence taken, but if you read it three times and still don't get the point, I don't think I can help you understand what it's all about. SORRY!
Try visiting the Marco Island Blog Spot, that's where I saw it and thought it was right on point and very appropriate for the event that took place at the latest council meeting.
But thank you for your interest.
Fossil writes:
Semper: You blame Tucker's tormentors for demeaning his memory. Have you forgotten that it was his friends that advocated memorializing him? Those friends are attorneys and must of known the fire-storm their action would bring. This fellow they were trying to do a favor for had a history. Let this be a lesson to all of us. We will be held accountable for our lives and the impact our actions had on others. Tell Rob Popoff and the attorneys that shoved this down our collective throats to reverse their decision and apologize to our citizens and the Tucker family. Then let it go so their friend may finally rest in peace.
jchamberland writes:
The attorneys, Tuckers friends, didn't shove anything down anyones throat! Our ELECTED city council voted unanimously to name the City Hall after Tucker. The council was elected into office to represent the citizens and make decisions, I agree with some of the decisions and disagree with some but I'm SOL if I disagree with council, I can vote for a candidate I agree with and hope others vote for him or her or I have to live with the MAJORITY'S choice. Fossil and a few others are the MINORITY and are just unhappy people and seem to have troublle accepting reality. Sorry ladies & gentlemen, this is our system; some of you need to learn to accept it and live within it!
Seawaller writes:
Name the sewer plant after Tucker, but City Hall? Good grief.
titanbite writes:
Gatorade learned their lesson..."Four!".
Or was that "Fourteen!"
I would be willing to bet no one would want to end up with a Rep.Tom Foley memorial Childrens library.
Or the Janke center for the performing arts!
Like the saying goes,"It's all in a name".
Besides the warm and fuzzy feeling the Local Board gets from naming stuff after people is so overrated.
Looking into your bathroom while repeating the phrase,
" Dagnabbit,I'm a good person and people like me!"
See,it works just as good!
lol!
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